As of 2020, around **** percent of young women in Sub-Saharan Africa were married before the age of **. Child marriage was a common practice in the region. In the Central African Republic, one out of four young women were married or in a union before turning 15 years. Chad registered a similar rate - ** percent. On the other hand, South Africa and Lesotho were the countries with the lowest share of girls marrying before **, at around *** percent.

West Bank and Gaza had the highest marriage rate in the world as of 2018, with 10 marriages per every 1,000 population. Fiji followed directly with 9.8 marriages. Thereafter, Egypt and Bahamas counted 9.6 and 9.5 marriages per 1,000 inhabitants, ranking third and fourth, respectively. By contrast, Qatar, French Guiana, and Peru had the lowest marriage rates worldwide in that same year.

Niger has the highest child marriage rate in the world among girls. According to the most recent data, in this West African country, more than three-fourths of girls aged under 18 were married, with nearly 30 percent of them being younger than 15 years old. The Central African Republic, Chad, and Mali followed behind with rates ranging from 61 to 54 percent. This issue is globally spread, particularly in African countries. In many of these countries, the legal age to get married is lower for females than for males. In Niger and Chad, for instance, the legal age is 15 years for females and 18 for males. In Guinea, instead, the legal age for marriage is 17 for females and 18 for males. Child marriage is often related to poverty, with poor families choosing to marry away their girls, both to earn money as a wedding gift and as this means fewer mouths to feed.

Qatar had the lowest marriage rate in the world as of 2018, with 1.4 marriages per every 1,000 population. French Guiana followed with one marriage more than Qatar (2.4). Thereafter, Peru and Venezuela counted 2.5 and 2.6 marriages per 1,000 inhabitants, ranking third and fourth, respectively. By contrast, West Bank and Gaza, Fiji, and Egypt had the highest marriage rates worldwide in that same year.

In 2021, nearly ** percent of women aged 20-24 years in Sub-Saharan Africa were married or in a union before age **. Roughly ** percent were married before completing 18 years. Among countries, the Central African Republic and Chad had the highest rates of child marriage in the region.

As of 2025, Sri Lanka had the lowest divorce rate in the world, with 0.15 divorces per 1,000 population. Vietnam and Guatemala followed with 0.2 divorces per 1,000 inhabitants.

Financial overview and grant giving statistics of Worldwide Marriage Encounter

In 2024, girls living in rural areas were more likely to marry in childhood than girls living in urban areas. For instance, around 40 percent of girls living in rural areas in Sub-Saharan Africa were married before 18, while only 16.8 percent of girls living in urban areas were married before 18.

Weighted sampled population and percentage distribution of child brides and adultbrides across the selected SSA countries.

Financial overview and grant giving statistics of Worldwide Marriage Encounter Section 8

B. Logistic regression model examining the influence of age at first marriage and selected characteristics on timing of first ANC visit among young married women in selected SSA countries.

Financial overview and grant giving statistics of Worldwide Marriage Encounter Section 9 Inc.

Diamond Wedding Ring Market Outlook

In 2023, the diamond wedding ring market size was valued at approximately USD 55 billion, and it is projected to grow to USD 75 billion by 2032, reflecting a CAGR of nearly 3.5% over the forecast period. This growth is driven by rising disposable incomes, increasing consumer preferences for luxury products, and a growing number of weddings worldwide. Additionally, advancements in diamond mining and processing technologies are expected to enhance the overall market growth, making high-quality diamonds more accessible and affordable to a broader range of consumers.

The growth factors of the diamond wedding ring market are manifold. Firstly, the economic development in emerging markets, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, has led to increased disposable incomes and a burgeoning middle class with a higher inclination towards luxury products. This shift in economic dynamics has significantly bolstered the demand for diamond wedding rings. Secondly, cultural trends and the increasing influence of Western lifestyles in developing countries have spurred the adoption of diamond rings, perceived as a symbol of love and commitment. Lastly, the rising number of weddings globally, driven by population growth and higher marriage rates, continues to fuel the market's expansion.

Technological advancements and innovations in diamond cutting and processing have also played a critical role in market growth. Enhanced precision and the introduction of lab-grown diamonds have made high-quality diamonds more accessible to a broader audience. Lab-grown diamonds, in particular, have gained popularity due to their environmental benefits, ethical sourcing, and cost-effectiveness compared to natural diamonds. Moreover, the proliferation of digital marketing and e-commerce platforms has made it easier for consumers to access a wide variety of diamond wedding rings, compare prices, and make informed purchasing decisions from the comfort of their homes.

Another significant growth factor is the increasing importance of customization and personalization in the jewelry industry. Modern consumers seek unique and personalized jewelry pieces that reflect their individual tastes and preferences. This trend has led to a surge in demand for bespoke diamond wedding rings, where customers can choose their diamond's cut, color, clarity, and carat, as well as the ring's overall design. Jewelry retailers have responded to this demand by offering advanced customization services and leveraging technologies such as 3D printing and CAD (computer-aided design) to create intricate and personalized designs.

From a regional perspective, North America remains the largest market for diamond wedding rings, driven by high disposable incomes, a strong culture of wedding celebrations, and a preference for luxurious and premium products. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period, attributed to rapid economic development, increasing urbanization, and changing consumer preferences towards Western lifestyles. Europe, with its rich tradition of jewelry craftsmanship and a strong luxury market, continues to be a significant player in the global diamond wedding ring market.

Product Type Analysis

The diamond wedding ring market is segmented into various product types, including solitaire rings, halo rings, vintage rings, three-stone rings, and others. Solitaire rings are considered the most traditional and popular choice among consumers. These rings feature a single diamond, symbolizing purity and timeless elegance. The demand for solitaire rings is driven by their classic appeal and the perception that they are a safe investment due to the significance of a single, high-quality diamond. Customization options, such as choosing the diamond's shape and setting, further enhance their attractiveness to consumers.

Halo rings, characterized by a central diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds, have gained immense popularity in recent years. The halo setting enhances the overall sparkle and brilliance of the ring, making the central diamond appear larger than it is. This product type appeals to consumers looking for a luxurious and glamorous design at a relatively affordable price point. The variety of designs available in halo rings, including double and triple halo settings, caters to diverse consumer preferences, thus driving their market growth.

Vintage rings, which often feature intricate designs and antique elements, appeal to consumers who appreciate historical char

Marriage And Dating App Market Outlook

The global marriage and dating app market size was valued at USD 4.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 10.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period. This impressive growth is attributed to the increasing smartphone penetration, evolving societal norms, and the rising usage of internet services globally. The market's expansive growth trajectory showcases the evolving ways in which people connect and engage in romantic and matrimonial relationships.

One of the key growth factors for the marriage and dating app market is the rising adoption of smartphones and the internet, especially in emerging economies. As smartphones become more affordable and internet connectivity improves, a larger segment of the population gains access to these platforms. Additionally, the proliferation of high-speed internet has made it easier for users to interact via these apps, bolstering user engagement and retention rates. Coupled with the growing comfort and acceptance of online dating and marriage arrangements, the market shows a strong potential for continued expansion.

Another significant driver is the changing societal attitudes towards online dating and marriage platforms. In many parts of the world, the stigma associated with meeting partners online has diminished considerably. This shift is particularly notable among younger generations who are more tech-savvy and open to digital interactions. The convenience and expansive reach offered by these apps make them an attractive option for individuals seeking relationships. This changing mindset is instrumental in the market's growth, as it broadens the user base and encourages more people to explore these platforms.

Moreover, advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, have enhanced the user experience on marriage and dating apps. These technologies enable better matching algorithms, personalized recommendations, and improved user safety features. The integration of AI-driven insights helps in providing users with compatible matches, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful connections. This improvement in user satisfaction is crucial for the market's growth, as it fosters user loyalty and drives subscription renewals.

Internet Dating has become a cornerstone of modern relationships, offering individuals the opportunity to connect with potential partners from the comfort of their own homes. The convenience and accessibility of internet dating platforms have revolutionized how people meet and form connections, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural barriers. With the rise of internet dating, users can explore a wider pool of potential matches, enhancing their chances of finding compatible partners. This digital approach to dating has also introduced new dynamics in relationship-building, where initial interactions often occur through messages and virtual dates, setting the stage for deeper connections. As internet dating continues to evolve, it plays a crucial role in shaping the future of romantic relationships, offering diverse options for individuals seeking companionship in the digital age.

From a regional perspective, North America held the largest market share in 2023, driven by the high penetration of smartphones and internet services, along with a culturally more open attitude towards online dating. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period. This surge can be attributed to the rapid urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and a growing acceptance of online platforms for relationships in countries like India and China. The diversification in user demographics across regions is a testament to the global potential of the marriage and dating app market.

Type Analysis

The marriage and dating app market is segmented by type into marriage apps and dating apps. Marriage apps specifically cater to individuals looking for long-term commitments and marital relationships. These platforms often incorporate detailed matchmaking algorithms, compatibility assessments, and comprehensive user profiles to facilitate serious connections. The growing trend of arranged marriages being facilitated through digital platforms in regions like Asia Pacific significantly contributes to the growth of marriage apps. Users on these platforms are typically more inclined towards finding a life partner, making the service h

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Abstract

This survey is part of a fertility survey series conducted in the 1970s and 1980s, covering contraceptives, reproductive health, breastfeeding and complete birth histories.Currently housed by Princeton, these surveys were originally done under the auspices of the International Statistical Institute from the 70s to the early 80s.

Between October 1981 and August 1982, a World Fertility Survey (WFS) was conducted in Nigeria, the most populated country in Africa. Nigeria has a population of 93.7 million (1984) and an estimated growth rate of 3.0%-3.5% WFS findings indicate that current conditions in Nigeria are conducive to continued rapid population growth in the future. These conditions include high fertility, strong pronatalist attitudes, an increase in the proportion of young people in the population, a low level of contraceptive knowledge and use, high infant and child mortality rates, and a decrease in breastfeeding duration and in postpartum sexual abstinence duration among urban and educated women. In the survey information was collected from a sample of 8623 households and from 9727 women of reproductive age residing in those households. These completed interviews represented a 93.4 response rate for the households and a 96.0% response rate for the individual women. 56.1% of the households were occupied by a nuclear family, 23.6% were occupied by an extended family, and 20.3% contained no married couples. Mean household size was 5.09 in urban areas and 5.83 in rural areas. Housing conditions were relatively poor in both rural and urban areas. 83.5% of the surveyed women were ever married. Marriage was almost universal; only 0.6% of the women aged 44-49 never married. Marriages were relatively stable, and those who divorced tended to promplty remarry. Preliminary analysis indicates that the age at marriage may be decreasing. The mean age at 1st marriage was 16.0 years for women aged 25-29 and 17.7 years for women aged 40-44. 42.6% of the currently married women were in polynous unions, and the mean age difference between husbands and wives was 12.56 years. 77.4% of the interviewed women were illiterate, 77.4% resided in rural areas, 35.0% were currently not working, 45.9% were Muslim, and 44.9% were Christian. Among all the surveyed women, the mean number of children ever born was 3.07. Women aged 45-49 had a mean of 5.84 ever born children. The total fertility rate for the 5-year period preceding the study was 6.34, and the total fertility rate for ever married women was 7.48. Women with secondary or higher educations had lower fertility than women with less education; however, women with primary schooling only had higher fertility than those with no schooling. Urban and rural fertility differences were small, but there were marked regional differences in fertility patterns. Preliminary analysis indicates that fertility increased between the early 1960s and mid-1970s, but declined slightly since then. Only 5% of the surveyed women wanted no more children, and average desired family size among currently married and fecund women was 8.3 children. Although infant and child mortality declined in recent years, the respective rates were still 84.8 and 144.5 for 1975-9. Among surveyed women, 66.3% had no knowledge of any contraceptive method. 85.9% never used any contraceptive method, 12.5% ever used an inefficient method (mainly postpartum abstinence), and only 2.6% ever used an efficient method. Only 0.7% of exposed women currently used an efficient contraceptive method. Breastfeeding is universal. Mean breastfeeding duration for the next to last child was 16.6 months. For ever married women, the mean duration of post partum amenorrhea in the last closed birth interval was 10.4 months, and the mean duration of sexual abstinence following the next to last birth was 14.1 months. The duration of both breastfeeding and postpartum sexual abstinence is shorter among educated and urban women than among rural and uneducated women.Source: Voorburg, Netherlands, International Statistical Institute, 1984 Sep. 18 p. (WFS Summary of Findings No. 49)

Geographic coverage

National

Analysis unit

Households, Individuals

Universe

All women, 15-49

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

The 250 enumeration areas (EAs)of the Nigeria Fertility Survey are a subsample of the EAs used for the National Demographic Sample Survey 1980. It was originally intended as a self-weighting sample but problems of implementation led to the abandoning of this. The final sample of size 9727 includes weights to allow for the unequal probabilities of selection. The household and individual interviews were conducted on the same visit by the same (female) interviewers.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The WFS Headquarters prepared survey documents for general guidance and use, principal among these being the survey instruments or questionnaires.

Two basic instruments were the Hosuehold schedule and the individual questionnaire for women. 1. The Household Questionnaire covered topics such as age, sex, marital status of household members 2. Individual questionnaire for women provides detailed information on maternity and marriage histories, contraceptive knowledge and use, and fertility regulation.

A husbands questionnaire and an individual core questionnaire for low fertility countries were also developed. Optional supplementary modules on : - Abortion - Community level variables - Economic questionnaires - Factors other than contaception affecting fertility (FOTCAF) - Family planning - Fertility regulation - General mortality

The FOTCAF module measures biological factors and traditional practices that affect fertility in countries with low levels of contraceptive use. It includes questions on the lengths of: breastfeeding, unsupplemented breastfeeding, postpartum amenorrhea, and postpartum abstinence. The WFS core questionnaire included a complete live birth history; questions on the respondent's age, characteristics, and contraceptive use; and a record of the dates of marriages and marriage dissolutions. For African countries, one or more questions were asked about polygyny. Also included were questions on whether a woman's husband had other wives, and all (except Ghana) asked wives in polygynous marriages about their rank (first wife, second wife, and so forth). Several countries also asked about the number of other wives in the marriage.

In the Nigeria survey, the WFS core questionnaire, the FOTCAF Module, as well as supplementary surveys for household members and community were used. The FOTCAF module was modified so that (a) information was gathered about live-birth rather than pregnancy intervals and (b) provision was made to record information about the third to last interval, if this interval started within the five years preceding the survey. The latter ammendment removes much of the selection bias inherent in the standard FOTCAF module which is restricted to the last and last-but-one intervals.

Also recorded in the survey are : Place of and assistance at delivery of recently born children ; the existence of grandsons and granddaughters of the respondent, as well as the age of oldest. The purpose of these data is to test the hypothesis that the attainment of grandmotherhood is associated with terminal abstinence. The community survey covers availability of facilities (post office, health services, police, courts, bank) and provision of services (water, electricity, fuel, transport, specified goods).

Response rate

These completed interviews represented a 93.4 response rate for the households and a 96.0% response rate for the individual women.

Introduction

Divorce Statistics: Divorce is a significant issue for people worldwide, and it has been a point of conflict for centuries. Although divorce is legal in all 195 countries, there are still mixed beliefs about divorces and divorcees in 2 of those nations, regardless of religion or culture. It is an emotionally and mentally challenging experience for both partners. There are various reasons for divorce, including lack of commitment, religious or moral differences, domestic abuse, financial problems, infertility, and loss of intimacy.

Divorce occurs globally and is nearly as common as marriage. In this article, we will focus on divorce statistics.

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In 2024, almost one in five young women were married before their 18th birthday worldwide. Sub-Saharan Africa had the largest share of girls married before the age of 18, but also the largest share of girls married before 15 (9.4 percent).

Throughout the world, the prevalence rate of forced marriages was ****** among the female population than the male population in 2021. The number of people forced to marry per 1,000 inhabitants was ******* in Arab states, both among women and men, whereas it was ****** in the Americas.